def

[newguy83]

get

[freshdriver]

Sticky from above. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=397489

[Oceanbob]

Since you're new to handguns you might do this:


1. First to own a Handgun in California you have to have an HSC Card. A short test at an FFL (Gun Store) and $25 then you can legally own or buy a handgun.

2. New shooters should buy a .22 pistol (cheap fun and a good way to learn gun safety and handling)

Consider a Ruger or Buckmark as your first weapon.

Google is your friend.

Welcome to Cal Guns.!!

[corcoraj2002]

Since you're new to handguns you might do this:


1. First to own a Handgun in California you have to have an HSC Card. A short test at an FFL (Gun Store) and $25 then you can legally own or buy a handgun.

2. New shooters should buy a .22 pistol (cheap fun and a good way to learn gun safety and handling)

Consider a Ruger or Buckmark as your first weapon.

Google is your friend.

Welcome to Cal Guns.!!

I would follow this advice. The man inside you is saying go for the biggest baddest caliber/gun you can get your mitts on but in the long run you will save a fortune if you get the fundamentals right on a .22 and move on from there.

Where do you hail from? maybe someone here can meet up with you and show you the joys of plinking .22 for $7 for 100 rounds.

[AE102]

Rent as many guns as you can and get the one that best fits you, lets you shoot well, and you liking it. You will always hear brand x is better than brand y but in actuality they're all good to go (for example you heard Glocks and Kimbers are good, I hate them both and went with a XD and Sigs ahha) Most gun manufacturers have excellent customer service since they all have to compete to stay ahead of the game.

[Digerati47]

Also if you are truly new to handguns, embedded the 4 popular handgun rules into your brain, I would hit the range a few times and rent out pistols you think you'll like. Get to know how they feel for you- mainly in the grip. Don't worry about how it shoots or how well you're controlling recoil for now. Find a brand or pistol that Feels good in Your hand. From that point, you'll have a better informed decision on what you want as a first pistol. As for calibers, .22lr, 9mm are great and affordable (ammo wise) to practice with until you purchase your next pistol, and the next one after that 30 days later, and another one 30 days after that.... It's a never ending rabbit hole.

It sounds like you're looking at semi-auto's. Don't rule out renting out a few revolvers too.


Good luck!

[Roland Deschain]

Sticky from above. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=397489

This is a great guide but really only applies if you're looking for a semi-auto. Personally my first handgun was a revolver because of the simplicity and reliability for a home defense gun.

The advice to head to the range and rent different guns you are interested in is great. Something might appeal to your eyes but not work well for you in practice.

[Bask]

Hi newguy.

Wait till you have 15, 000 + post then your name will be ironic.

Get you handgun licences for $25-30 bucks then go get yourself a cz 75, done.

A 9mm will let you fire a bigger round at a fair price. Good for hd/ccw too. A 22 is fun for the range tho.

Or you can do the whole ring around the handgun dance, I don't like second guessing perchases, especially when it comes to handgun.

I also don't like brass to the face. So cz..done.

[cannon]

Hi Newguy,

Various guns will or won't fit you naturally. You really need to go to the range and rent some until you find one that fits you and your needs.

Where are you located? If you are near me I can meet you at the range and after a safety discussion you can try some of my pistols.

[Euphoria526]

I like how no one really answered his question; just flamed up the stickies. :/
Answer: go shoot as many as possible and choose what's right for you.
Or
Buy a cz 75 and nothing else will appeal to you.

[ptgarcia]

My advice, avoid taking advice from people that tell you to buy one particular make, model, and caliber of gun without knowing a single thing about what it is you are trying to accomplish with the gun you buy.

[newguy83]

thanks guys

ive shot guns before but i dont know which gun is a better value

ive shot a kimber and a glock and a beretta

i like the kimber the way it feels in my hands but i read online that kimber is a bad company and that the whole style of gun causes a lot of problems

i also like 9mms glock, but a glock is so ugly

[Roland Deschain]

i also like 9mms glock, but a glock is so ugly

Because function over form

I assume you're looking for a handgun for home defense?

If that's the case then like I mentioned my first purchase was a Ruger GP-100 4" .357 magnum. I was originally looking at semi-auto handguns but after talking to a LE buddy he convinced me that a DA revolver in .357 mag was a solid first choice since they are relatively simple and reliable. Very safe to keep loaded under the pillow and just pickup and pull the trigger. No safety to worry about, no failure to feed, no failure to eject, etc. I've been VERY pleased with this weapon.

That said I do now also own a Glock 17 (and many others) and tend to carry it more often around the house. I was initially torn between an XD and Glock but got to shoot both and ended up being more reliable with the Glock. I went with 9mm because it's cheaper to practice with and I figure it's enough

In any case I'm not trying to sell you on either of these particular weapons just giving you my story of why I went with what I did. Hope it helps you make a choice

[robert101]

So from your experience Beretta is the answer. You can either expand you knowledge or buy from your experience.

[NewbieDave]

Hmmm... you're trying to figure out which to buy but all your selection is different types of handgun. It's like comparing apple to orange, and then compare them to a pear!

Figure out which type of handgun you want first... then go from there.

Double Action: Beretta, Sigs, SW 3rd gen, etc.
Single Action: 1911 (Kimber, Colt, SW, Remington, RIA,Ruger)
Striker Action: Glock, SW M&P, XDs

Pick you action then ask your question again... you'll get better answers.


dpc